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To make Key Lime Pie Bars, you need a few key ingredients. These ingredients create the sweet and tart flavor everyone loves. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice (or regular lime juice) - 3 large egg yolks - Zest of 2 key limes Each ingredient plays an important role. The graham cracker crumbs give a crunchy base. The sweetened condensed milk adds creaminess. The key lime juice brings that zesty flavor. While the bars taste great on their own, some extras can make them even better. Here are some optional ingredients to consider for serving: - Whipped cream, for serving - Lime wedges, for garnish These toppings add a nice touch. Whipped cream makes the bars richer. Lime wedges give an extra zesty bite. If you don’t have something on hand, don’t worry! Here are some easy substitutions you can use: - For graham cracker crumbs, try digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs. - If you can't find key limes, regular limes work just fine. - Use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free option. These substitutions keep the flavor strong while allowing for flexibility. Cooking should be fun! Try what you have and make it your own. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined. This will be your crust. Next, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking dish. Make sure it is even and compact. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes. You want it to be lightly golden. Once baked, take it out and let it cool. In a separate bowl, whisk together one 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed key lime juice, and 3 large egg yolks. Add the zest of 2 key limes to the mix. Whisk until the filling is smooth and creamy. This mix is what gives the bars their zesty flavor. After making the filling, pour it over your cooled crust. Spread it evenly. Bake in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the filling to be set and slightly firm to the touch. When done, remove it from the oven. Let it cool to room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours. This helps them set up perfectly. Once chilled, cut into squares or rectangles. Serve them topped with whipped cream and a slice of lime, if you like. Enjoy the fresh taste of your key lime pie bars! To get the best texture, focus on your crust. Make sure your graham cracker crumbs are fine. Mix them well with the sugar and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. This helps it hold together. For the filling, whisk the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks until smooth. This makes the filling creamy. Bake until it's just set. You want it firm, but not overcooked. Avoid using old graham crackers. Fresh crumbs give a better flavor. Don’t skip the cooling steps. Let the crust cool before adding the filling. Also, don’t overbake the bars. If they look firm, they are done. Overbaking makes them dry, and we want them creamy. Lastly, avoid cutting the bars too soon. Let them chill in the fridge for at least two hours. For a fun serving idea, cut the bars into small squares. Top each square with a dollop of whipped cream. Add a slice of lime for color and taste. You can also sprinkle some lime zest on top for extra flair. Serve them chilled on a nice plate. This makes them look more appealing. You can even use colorful napkins to brighten up your table. Pro Tips Use Fresh Limes: For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed key lime juice instead of bottled juice. Fresh limes provide a vibrant taste that elevates your pie bars. Chill Thoroughly: Make sure to refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set properly and enhances the overall texture. Customize the Crust: Feel free to add crushed nuts or coconut to the graham cracker crust for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Garnish Creatively: Top your key lime pie bars with fresh lime zest or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your Key Lime Pie Bars by using other citrus fruits. Try using fresh lemon juice for a bright twist. Lemon adds a nice tartness that pairs well with the creamy filling. You can also use orange juice for a sweeter flavor. This will give your bars a fun, new taste. If you need gluten-free bars, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. They taste just as good. For a dairy-free version, substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free option. You can find coconut milk or almond milk versions. This keeps the bars creamy and delicious without dairy. Toppings can make your Key Lime Pie Bars even more fun. Consider adding fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries. They add color and a burst of flavor. Another tasty option is toasted coconut flakes. They give a nice crunch and a tropical touch. You can also drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top for a sweet surprise. To keep your Key Lime Pie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps stop them from drying out. You can also cover the dish with plastic wrap. Make sure they stay chilled in the fridge. The cold helps keep the bright flavor and creamy texture intact. If you want to freeze your Key Lime Pie Bars, cut them into squares first. Place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This method keeps them from sticking together. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. In the fridge, Key Lime Pie Bars last for about five days. After that, the texture may change. They might not taste as fresh. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy them while they’re at their best! Key Lime Pie Bars are a dessert that captures the bright taste of key limes. They have a crunchy graham cracker crust and a smooth, tangy filling. This treat is easy to slice and serve, making it perfect for gatherings. Yes, you can use regular limes. They will change the flavor a bit. Key limes are smaller and have a strong taste. Regular limes are larger and less tart. Both options will still make tasty bars. The bars are done when the filling is set and slightly firm. You can gently touch the surface. If it does not jiggle, it is ready. A light golden color around the edges is also a good sign. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They chill well in the fridge. Prepare them a day before your event for best results. Just remember to let them cool completely before refrigerating. You can make a quick mix of milk and sugar. Use 1 cup of milk and add 2/3 cup of sugar. Heat until the sugar dissolves. This will give you a similar sweet taste without using canned milk. Key Lime Pie Bars are simple yet delicious. We covered key ingredients, optional toppings, and substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions for prepping and baking these bars. You learned tips for great texture and common mistakes to avoid. I explored fun variations and how to store them properly. Now, you can make these tasty treats with confidence. Enjoy the bright citrus flavor, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings!

Zesty Key Lime Pie Bars

Delicious and tangy key lime pie bars with a graham cracker crust.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 quarter cup granulated sugar
  • 1 half cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
  • 1 half cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 zest key limes
  • 1 serving whipped cream, for serving (optional)
  • 1 serving lime wedges, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
  • Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, key lime juice, egg yolks, and key lime zest until smooth and well combined.
  • Pour the key lime mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
  • Bake in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
  • Cut into squares or rectangles and serve chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a slice of lime if desired.

Notes

Chill for at least 2 hours before serving for best texture.
Keyword dessert, key lime, pie bars